Tuchel leaves a fit Cole Palmer out of England squad, Rogers Chelsea’s only call-up

Thomas Tuchel has left Cole Palmer out of England's Nations League squad in a deliberate selection call. The decision leaves Xabi Alonso steering his talisman's focus back to club football.

Cole Palmer will not be with England this month. Thomas Tuchel picked his players for the last two UEFA Nations League group games of 2026, and the Chelsea forward missed out. Wembley checked with Chelsea before the squad was named and found Palmer fully fit. His absence is a selection decision, not an injury issue, and it leaves Morgan Rogers as Chelsea’s only senior call-up.

Tuchel did not soften his reasoning. He repeated his September verdict that Palmer had missed “too many opportunities” to make his case for England.

Palmer was one of several players recalled for the four-game window in September and October. The recall proved short-lived. Tuchel also left him out of the 2026 World Cup squad. Since scoring in the Euro 2024 final, Palmer has made only five England appearances.

Others have been given their chance instead. Two uncapped names have earned maiden senior call-ups: Fulham forward Josh King and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham.

The group stakes are tight. England can only finish top if they win both games and end with a better goal difference than Spain. They host Croatia at Wembley on Thursday 12 November, with kick-off at 19:45 GMT. They then face Spain at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid on Sunday 15 November.

Xabi Alonso responded at his press conference before Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Alonso said Chelsea are very happy with Palmer and that the pair have not talked about England. Their conversations are about Chelsea instead. The focus is on how Palmer can have a bigger influence on games.

The Chelsea head coach praised Palmer’s quality and attitude. He also highlighted the impact the forward is having on the team. His advice was simple: concentrate on playing good football and enjoy it at Chelsea.

The club’s faith in Palmer is clear from his contract. He recently signed improved terms that run until 2034.

For Palmer, the snub now becomes something to answer on the pitch. His form for Chelsea will be watched closely, and so will the club’s relationship with Tuchel’s set-up. The wait for another chance will be long. No England squad is due again until March 2027.